I’m a long time Retired Civil Servant and Local to this area all my life.

I’ve followed DAFC since being given a Season Ticket at the age of 13, and played the game, for a time under Alf Bentley at Snowdown Colliery FC, but like to think I was better known locally as a Cricketer—another great sport!

I love to see the lads out on the pitch on Sundays, rather than playing Computer Games, and certainly enjoy the job I do for The DAFC Youth Section.

John Richards

Fixture Secretary

I have been involved locally in Youth Football as a team Manager for 8 years finishing with the Dover Athletic U18’s in the 2015/16 season. I have also been Secretary of the DAFC Youth Section and DAFC Club Welfare Officer for the past 3 years, both positions that I still hold.

I am a member of the FA Licensed Coaches Club and I am passionate about player development and would like to see local players coming through the ranks and have the opportunity to sign for Dover Athletic First Team in the not too distant future.

07967 813316
jon@sportyshop.co.uk

Jon Barrett

Secretary and Child Welfare Officer

Chris Lynch is the Head of Youth Development at Dover Athletic Youth Section, he is charged with developing young talent throughout the ages ranges of U13’s – U18’s ensuring a standard of excellence is achieved, in line with the first teams ambitions of attaining league football status.

He is also charged with creating an environment for both players and coaches to aspire to the highest possible levels.

Chris is the U18’s Manager at Dover Athletic a position he has held since June 2016. And the author of the Youth Development Model for the Youth Section.

Chris begun his career playing youth football in Dover, representing both Dover and Kent. He spent time on trial with Luton 1996, then Watford in the championship under Graham Taylor in 1999, Chris was highly sought after in the late 90’s with both Manchester United and Aston Villa courting him, unfortunately his playing career was cut short due to injury.

Chris is now a qualified FA licensed Coach and Head Coach at Dover Athletic Youth section.

Chris Lynch

Head of Youth / Under 18's Manager

After having a brief spell of youth football with Gillingham FC Paul went on to sign and play Southern league for Margate FC in late 70s. Moved in mid 80s to Ramsgate FC in Kent League before knee injury forced early retirement aged 23. Went onto gain FA coaching qualifications and a member of Licensed Coaches Association. Coached with local clubs and schools before returning to Ramsgate FC to help in their youth development program becoming lead youth coach. Currently Assistant Manager to Head of Youth Development Chris Lynch at the Under 18 squad.

Paul Meade

Under 18's Assistant Manager

As a qualified teacher and FA licensed football coach I am someone who is committed to player development. Having been employed as full time coach last year in the US I came to Dover to help support what is a very talented youth set up. A clinical (undiagnosed) obsession with football I am constantly looking to progress myself in my own football education, and committed to ensuring all the players I am working with share the same drive about the beautiful game.

After narrowly missing out on the title in 2016/7 my aim is ensure the players I am with get the success they deserve in 2017/8.

Lewin Corbett

Under 15's Manager

I’ve been involved with Dover for the last 8 years. Playing from u13s through being part of the Academy set up.

My goal is to develop local talent and one day see them represent my local side at 1st team level.

I’ve been lucky enough to be part of several very talented sides and learnt from some great mangers/coaches. For the last few seasons I’ve been privileged to work as the coach with the always progressing U15s south side.

I’m looking forward to another successful season both on and off the field.

Hayden Sharp

Under 15's Coach

FA Qualified Licenced Coach into my second year with Dover Athletic.

Previous playing experiences have involved Ramsgate and Soccer Elite. I loved playing the game but the goal was to always get into the coaching and the managerial side of football and I used experiences like being involved with Soccer Elite to learn from some very experienced and quality coaches to further develop my coaching knowledge and abilities. The opportunity to join Dover Athletic within their youth set up presented itself last season with the U13’s and I have enjoyed every minute of it since.

I am always looking to further better my coaching abilities and knowledge and most importantly put a huge emphasis on developing the talented youth players at Dover Athletic.

Ryan Stacey

Under 14's Manager

FA Qualified Licensed Coach for 6 years, 2nd season involved with Dover Athletic.

Founded Whitfield Juniors FC in 2011 and have coached age-groups from Under 8s through to Under 13s and remain involved as Club Chairman with the aim for the club to expand with the growth of the village. I have also spent time coaching voluntarily in the local school.

Played local league standard Football as a tough but slow Centre-back and Cricket as an all-rounder until a serious knee injury forced an early retirement at 25!

Enjoy now giving back time and knowledge by coaching for Dover Athletic. Lifelong follower of local football and the mighty Spurs.

Steve Henworth

Under 14's Assistant Manager

My love for football started when I first got involved as a youth player for Folkestone. I played there for many years whilst also competing at schools level and was later a member of a Kent college team that went on to win the college national trophy and also the London college cup at the famous Hackney Marshes.

However, its coaching I really enjoy and as I approach my 10th year, I’ve had the absolute privilege of working with hundreds of players of varying ages and ability levels from u6 to seniors.

I first started at local side Dover Rangers and later spent a few years working with Crystal Palace before progressing to coaching/managing at District schools level.

More recently I’ve completed a lot of charity work for ‘Football Beyond Borders’ raising money for disadvantaged children to take part in football and I continue to set up community based sessions to get children from all walks of life involved in the beautiful game.

An FA licenced coach, I have a real passion for coaching/developing players and I’m really looking forward to working with this incredibly talented bunch of lads at Dover Athletic, and its fantastic to be apart of the club I’ve supported since a boy.

Colin Wilkins

Under 13's Team Manager

Jason begun his career playing youth football in Deal,representing both Deal and Dover District and also trialling for Gillingham.He had a spell at Dover Athletic Reserves before moving back to Deal Town F.C.

Here he represented them for 8 years in the Kent League to which is where he finished his career.

Once having children of his own he then moved into coaching youth football at Deal Town Rangers,which he has
now been involved in for 7 years.He is now looking forward to a new challenge with Dover Athletic u13s.

Jason Meleady

Under 13's Assistant Manager

“I have been a Coach within youth football for the last 6 years. I have achieved my Level One Coaching Course and am looking in future seasons to continue to develop these skills within Dover Athletic.”